Common Sense Talk on Transit.

One of the smartest guys around, former chief planner for the city of Vancouver Brent Toderian talks common sense about the upcoming transit plebiscite. Watch and learn.

A Change of Direction....

Apologies for the lack of posts recently. Have been working on a few new projects, one of them a  new and separate blog focusing more on issues throughout the Metro Van region in general. Social, economic, cultural, and a good dose of  'what have you'.

 Lots going on in the world  and here at home in south Newton. Will be blogging about the local news and what's happening on the streets here in this part of Surrey, BC. Much to discuss. Some difficult issues to deal with. But, deal with them we must.

  The ReNewtonNation blog started 3 years ago almost to the day.What began as a movement to bring focus to the remarkable and rapid decline in the neighbourhood and the dire need for revitalization has taken a few twists and turns along the way. 
Most recently ReNewton has been looking at the continuing problem with crime and safety. I'll be writing about that soon. 
Stay tuned...

Placemaking Guru Fred Kent. What Does it Take to Create Great Public Spaces?

 Fred Kent is the founder of Project for Public Spaces. If you've ever walked through Bryant Park in Manhattan you've experienced his work.
 Here's a video lecture in which Fred discusses placemaking and the art of creating public spaces that people love.
 Enjoy.

This will make you happy!

 Quick post to share this very happy video featuring  some  wonderful people and a few of our downtown Newton businesses along 137th St  "Festival Street" and surrounding area. 
Watch it. 
Get Happy. 
Repeat.
This time get up and dance. You'll feel better!

Enjoy!

Dreaming of Trader Joe's Panorama?

Well, the old public market building is still standing, begging for some attention and a new life, or maybe just begging to be put out of its misery.  This year marks the 16th anniversary of its closure, meaning a child born  the same year this place shut down is now old enough to drive.

This property seems to attract an unusual type of developer. One who doesn't seem to make any effort to actually do something. Maybe it'll be flipped again?  Wouldn't it be great if some deep pocketed developer with  true community pride made the current owner an offer he couldn't refuse? 

current condition of  building

So much potential. A public market can work here. It HAS worked here. It IS the right location. 

Way, way back in 1986, an even older  funkier market at this corner was thriving. It was our semi-rural community's "third place". The problems came when the owner decided to construct the place above and dramatically increase the rent to rates that were equal to what the West Edmonton Mall was getting. Vendors  couldn't  afford that, and the place died a sad, slow death.

Now, with the explosion in population in the Newton area, it's the perfect time to have a new option for Sullivan Heights and Panorama. The neighbourhood is booming with young families who love shopping at stores like Choices, Whole Foods and a cross border favourite Trader Joe's.

Interior still shows remnants of past glory days

Speaking of Trader Joe's, when I was at the TJ store in Bellingham WA. yesterday, I looked around and thought, wouldn't the old market place on 64th & King George be perfect for  BC's first Trader Joe's location?

There's a  good reason Costco  chose  this area  for its only Surrey store.  Newton is the centre of Surrey. Literally.  Of  course, TJ's most likely won't be popping up here anytime soon. 

But we can always dream right?  

Just picture this in your neighbourhood!

Just spotted this story on Twitter. Looks like we're not the only ones to be dreaming of a Trader Joe's opening in the neighbourhood!

 Hey Joe

Newton Residents Still Fearful, Furious and Frustrated...

Update on Newton.
 Yesterday, a few of us gathered at The Grove, the little forested area near the Newton Recreation Centre and Arena. We met to share ideas and to brainstorm on ways to make the space a more inviting and vibrant place for everyone. So many creative ideas were brought forth and it was heart warming to see many Surrey residents out in the cold and very wet weather.

Tomorrow, March 10th, the city is holding a public hearing on the Official Community Plan including plans for its town centres. Newton must be given its fair shake. Residents here have been very patient, but there's a limit to the number of times they will put up with continually being passed over for improved amenities and public facilities.

Large part of venue for Newton Festival 2013 was held here-
What does this say about the level of respect the 140K residents of Newton get?
Their festival held in a back parking lot.

Newton Arena- Teen Skate Cancelled

Cloverdale Recreation Centre-Gorgeous artwork inside a multi-use facility.
The families of Newton, an area that includes Panorama Ridge, Sullivan Station, North Ridge and Sullivan Heights deserve the same calibre of facilities.

Notice board in disrepair outside Newton Arena.

No More "Newton Next"- demand Newton Now

original post from Jan 2, 2014

It's difficult to write about  the murder of Julie Paskall  outside the Newton Arena and Rec Centre on Sunday December 29, without getting emotional. This was the worst kind of crime. An innocent victim beaten to death, most likely by one of the many desperate addicts who now frequent the area.

I moved to South Newton  27 years ago, back when it was still a semi-rural community, with abundant wildlife and babbling brooks everywhere. Newton had a small town feel to it. It was peaceful and safe. It's hard to recognize the place today. It doesn't seem that long ago that I accompanied my now grown-up son to swimming  and skating lessons at the Newton Rec Centre, never fearing once for our safety. That has all changed.

In light of this week's event, we need some answers from Mayor Watts on the ongoing neglect of Newton, the heart of Surrey.

 Why did Mayor Watts choose to vote NO against the South Surrey casino last January, knowing that this meant the existing gaming facility would remain in Newton along with slot machines. There could not be a worse location.

Why has the city of Surrey ignored the calls to enforce their own "unsightly property " bylaw and not demolished the former public market building which has remained vacant  for 16 years?  It has been described as a hobo jungle and is a haven for drug users, dealers and squatters. There is a process in place to remove buildings like this and charge the costs back to the land owners along with property taxes.

For 16 long years, anyone driving along King George near 64th Avenue was greeted with this eyesore in Sullivan Heights.

Why were there no police foot patrols in the neighbourhood where Julie was attacked? With a community policing  station  only 2 blocks away, in a neighbourhood known to be sketchy?  Just two weeks before Julie Paskall was attacked, one local paper had a front page story on  the increase in crime in the area.  No action was taken. Nothing.

One of two lights out at Newton Arena entrance
where Julie Paskall was attacked and killed.

Why were several lights out at the entrance to the arena on the night Julie Paskall was assaulted? Could something as simple as lighting maintenance have saved her life?

Why can't Surrey get a handle on the explosion of unauthorized rental suites in the city? These suites are often rented by a transient population in what should be single family home neighbourhoods. Home owners are not being held accountable for renting multiple suites in contravention of the city's own bylaw. This needs to be addressed. Perhaps a forum on how to be a good landlord?   Suites and the City? No one objects to one in-law suite, but when we have 6000 sq. ft. homes being built on tiny lots, this is not an extended family living situation. Let's get real. These are multi-unit apartment buildings. Why isn't there real action on flophouses masquerading as 'recovery' facilities, an issue that has been allowed to grow unmanageable  and is in need of immediate and meaningful solutions.

Why do the powers that be in Surrey, continually put themselves in the position of needing to fix problems that by their own decisions they helped create?

 In the coming days and weeks, Dianne Watts needs to make some important decisions for the future of her city.
 The writer of this blog has been a supporter of Mayor Watts-voted for her in every election. I think I was her 6th follower on Twitter.  And for the last 9 years my spouse and I have owned rental properties  in the City Centre (Whalley) area. We believed in and supported the mayor's drive to revitalize downtown Surrey. That area needed help, but not at the expense of another town centre.  Pushing the problems south along the King George has been a disaster. A Downtown Eastside for Surrey. And, with a mother who lives in the  tonier Morgan Heights neighbourhood in South Surrey, I observe the city from north to south on a daily basis. Big differences.

We don't have all the answers, but now is the time for action and solutions.
 We have been told "Newton Next" for too long. What do residents really want to hear? How about "Newton Now".

Let's get to work. First for Julie Paskall and her grieving family, and then for everyone who calls Surrey home.

From Vacant to Vibrant. An Arts District for Surrey?

ReVisting ReNewton's  ReVitalization Goal....

Close your eyes and imagine this...

A vibrant corner in the heart of your city. Cafes, Shops, Music, Galleries,  FOOD!  and maybe a craft brewery or wine shop. Lots of retail, and live/work spaces above for artists and crafts people.

 A community hub for the rainbow of ethnicities who call this place home. One of the most appealing aspects of living in Newton is its cultural diversity. Perfect for an International Village type environment.

A 'Third Place"

 And, as so many of you  are telling us,  the return of the much loved farmers/public market of the 80s! 

The cries to bring the market back are heard everywhere we go!  

Now imagine this for the stretch of King George Blvd between 6oth and 74th Avenues  in the South Newton area of Surrey. Maybe the promised "Festival Street" could  become a magnet for young musicians and artists. Live/Work spaces, music and art studios anyone?

 The absolute smack-dab heart of Surrey.

 Right now it's still a dream, but  it could become a reality.  When I met with urban planning guru Ellen Dunham-Jones  last year at Simon Fraser University she encouraged us to " keep on fighting"to  Retrofit Suburbia

All it takes is bit of community spirit, a few dollars and decision makers with a vision and a mindset to think ever so slightly 'out-of-the-box'

Imagine ....

    THE GEORGE ARTS DISTRICT

not just for artists

One city's plan to create a vibrant arts+retail hub

Public gathering space - a place where ideas and community live,. A busy place is a SAFE place!

  

What one community did- notice any difference?

 If you support ReImagining, ReCreating and ReVitalizing Newton, 

consider yourself officially a member of ReNewton Nation

Vacant building on the King George has sat empty for 18 years

.

Newton got the slots back in 2012. They are slated to be removed soon.

* Slots have since been removed.

The King George is in need of a suburban retrofitting intervention!

ARTS DISTRICT-not just for artists

Surrey's Heart & Soul .... Why We Stay.

 From Panorama Ridge to Bear Creek, 

and

from Boundary Park to Sullivan Station, 

we are all Newton !

This Saturday Feb 15, the Newton Community Association is holding a public forum bewtween 2-4 at the Community Centre. ReNewton is not affiliated with the NCA,  but we share many of the same concerns.  Residents are encouraged to attend and  voice your concerns and ideas.

Newton has been  taking a beating recently, and it's a good time to remind  readers that there is more to this vast area than meets the eye.

 Here's a post from  last month. Just to keep things in perspective.



 Apologies for the delay in posting this. The public forum on safety last week in Newton was standing room only with hundreds more turned away.The event has been well covered by the usual suspects and  we'll leave it to them to hash out some of the bigger global issues.

 In the meantime I have taken time to ponder exactly what it is about our neighbourhood that keeps people here. Hint, it's not what you might think!

   Residents in other parts of Metro Vancouver have been asking....
  "Why would anyone want to live in Newton. Why haven't you moved yet?"

 This is Why We Stay

The People 

Newton residents are nothing if not authentic. They are salt-of-the-earth type folks. Unpretentious and genuine, they embody all that is good and worthy in this city.
 They are the hockey moms and baseball dads. The class field trip drivers and the music lesson givers.  They are the small business owners and the school teachers. The nurses and the construction workers. They work hard and put their families first. 

Much has been made of the fact that Newton is home to a large number of refugees from war torn countries such as Sudan and Somalia  and that this has created problems in  the area.  To be sure, there are challenges, but the beautiful rainbow of ethnicities is one thing this writer loves about the place! We are an international tapestry of cultures. A United Nations of Newton if you will. We need to find a way to capitalize on this unique aspect of our community. Every person who comes here has a gift to share. It might be something as simple as a flare for hospitality, cooking or  skilled artisan craftwork.

Newton has a rainbow of ethnicities  and cultural diversity.
That's what makes a community truly rich!

Different backgrounds make no difference in this neighbourhood.

Nature at Your Doorstep.

Literally.

One of many creeks in  Panorama Northwoods and Hyland Creek neighbourhoods.

The story goes that one hundred years ago, a municipal clerk looked across the Fraser River from New Westminster and was reminded of his home back in Surrey England. He saw lush green rolling hills, hundreds of babbling brooks and proclaimed this place Surrey.

The photo below is the view from my garden gate in south Newton. I feel so fortunate to have a protected salmon spawning creek basically, in my back yard. Every year we look forward to  'Salmon Homecoming." This year we were thrilled  to witness the return of not only the usual Chum species but also Sockeye. What a treat to fall asleep to the sounds of fish splish-splashing their way upstream to spawn right at our back door. 

Annual Salmon Run 

Yes, it's true! Surrey really IS the City of Parks!
This is  part of Hyland Park in the Panorama Northwoods neighbourhood

The Climate

Many people know that South Surrey and White Rock have more days of sunshine per year than other areas of Metro Vancouver, but did you know that Newton, specifically South Newton enjoys much the same climate?
West Vancouver, you can have your dark and dreary downpours, and Coquitlam keep your wretched rain.  Here in Newton we'll be having a decent, if not sunny day. It's true. It really is!

All that extra sun means easy access to farm fresh produce. 

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and more.

Got Blueberries?  Sorry Richmond, Surrey has the best!

Ethnic diversity means lots of dining options. 

More hours of sunshine equals  farm fresh produce

Craving cheese? Greco's Mediterranean Foods is a  South Newton neighbourhood institution 

Food Boredom? Forget it! Look at these luscious Indian morsels  at Prabu Sweets

Cultural Diversity Shines Every Year at the Fusion Festival.

A Burgeoning Arts Scene

Surrey has a first class art gallery and arts centre located in Bear Creek Park. Art is my passion. Many of my artist friends and family in Vancouver including some who have had major exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery, have visited the SAG and were  so impressed by the facility  and its exhibits. I agree. Instructors from Emily Carr have told me what a great gallery we have!

Arts 2013 opening at the beautiful Surrey Arts Centre

World class art  too!

The fabulous DeSerres Art Supply store opened in Newton in 2012. Canadian owned too!

Simon Fraser University easily accessible from Newton

Crescent Beach . Yes, this is Surrey

Clearly, there's a lot to love about living in Newton, the real centre of Surrey. So make a commitment. Next time you hear a tiresome Surrey or Newton joke  (and you most assuredly will), challenge the person on it.  Telling a disparaging Surrey joke is really a cowardly way of saying "we're better than you". And nothing could be further from the truth. 

Newton residents are a diverse bunch but they share common traits.

Authenticity. Resiliency. Determination.

As demonstrated in the past few weeks, here is a community with heart and a whole lot of soul.  We've been kicked around far too long. It's taken a tragedy to awaken a sleeping giant. And once awakened, there's no telling what it's capable of  achieving.

Get ready for a new Newton.

  Make way for the Comeback Kid.   

              

 Newton Strong

#NewtonStrong: Surrey's Heart & Centre Stands Together

 Stay tuned...

ReNewton will be providing  a  full recap of the public forum held on Monday evening by the newly formed Newton Community Association plus some thoughts and recommendations as the community moves forward.
The standing room only meeting at the Seniors Centre in Newton, the heart and centre of Surrey is adjacent to the arena where hockey mom Julie Paskall was bludgeoned to death last week.

Hundreds of concerned citizens of all walks of life turned out on a chilly evening to voice their concerns and more importantly to offer recommendations.
 It's clear that this community cares  deeply about  recent tragic events and ongoing struggles within the neighbourhood.